A rapid response to Covid-19

Supporting Our Community in response to Covid-19

On 17th March, ACE shut the doors of the Dusty Forge to the public in response to government guidance about the Coronavirus pandemic. ACE staff worked quickly to refocus efforts and resources to offer vital support for the local community. We soon transformed your local pantry into a delivery service, set up a community support phone line, and adapted other activities to continue online or via phone wherever possible.  We are working closely with Police, local GP surgeries, Councillors and the council to support the community, including providing prescription pickups, general wellbeing checks and delivering emergency food parcels.

Arts, Heritage and other community groups have been active on social media to stay connected, encourage community members and provide activities. Twenty art packs have been delivered to ACE Art group regulars and members of our partners Cardiff People First, weekly art activities are shared online and group members receive regular phone calls from the team. CAER Heritage has been posting heritage trails on Facebook for local people to use as part of their daily exercise activities. ACE partners Grow Cardiff have sent seeds to 250 homes for people to grow at home while the Dusty Garden is closed.

Our community needs us more than ever at this time. We are so proud of our staff, volunteers and local residents for their hard work in supporting our neighbours with practical help, wellbeing support and acts of kindness in these challenging times.